Owners have reported 11 crashes, 4 fires and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 KIA Forte. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints45
POWER TRAIN
Owners report that the 2019 KIA Forte frequently experiences transmission failures, often leading to a complete loss of power while driving. Typical symptoms include difficulty accelerating, the transmission getting stuck in gear, and high engine RPMs without corresponding vehicle speed, sometimes forcing drivers to use manual or sport modes to maintain control. These issues commonly occur at mileage as low as 17,500 miles, with some owners experiencing failures shortly after purchase. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe incidents where the car loses power on highways, creating dangerous situations due to sudden deceleration and the risk of being rear-ended. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated safety risks.
Owner complaints19
ENGINE
Owners of the 2019 Kia Forte frequently report engine failures, often without warning. Common symptoms include stalling, loss of power, and engine seizure, with several complaints noting the absence of dashboard warning lights prior to failure. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, from as low as 8,000 miles to over 120,000 miles. Two complaints involve fires, one linked to an oil pan issue, raising safety implications. Buyers should be aware that some owners mention significant repair costs and limited warranty coverage, particularly for subsequent owners.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 KIA Forte, including problems with the headlights, brake lights, and various dashboard warning lights. Complaints frequently mention headlights and brake lights failing intermittently, with some cases involving melted wiring harnesses. Multiple owners describe the car shutting off unexpectedly while driving, and some report difficulty starting the vehicle. Safety implications are evident, with three complaints involving crashes and two involving fires. These issues often appear around 50,000 to 100,000 miles, though some occur earlier. Potential buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns, as they may affect both safety and reliability.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 KIA Forte frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems, with multiple complaints indicating false activations or warnings of obstruction despite no visible impediments. Several complaints mention engine problems, such as sudden shutdowns while driving, excessive oil consumption, and related failures, often occurring around or after 90,000 miles. Transmission issues, including a failure to accelerate and transmission fluid pressure warnings, are also noted, with some reports of these problems leading to the need for major repairs. Safety implications are evident, with two reported crashes—one involving an injury—linked to these issues, highlighting potential risks for loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the potential for significant repair costs post-warranty.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints8
STEERING
Owners of the 2019 Kia Forte frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving grinding noises originating from the steering column or wheel. Complaints often mention components like the steering shaft and clock spring requiring replacement, with some reports of entire steering columns needing to be replaced due to internal failures. These issues are commonly observed within the first year of ownership or at low mileage, around 1,100 to 3,000 miles. Several reports also describe safety concerns, such as the steering wheel locking up or the driver assist system unexpectedly pulling the wheel, which could lead to loss of control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential steering-related issues and consider the reported safety implications.
Owner complaints8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners report several issues with the exterior lighting of the 2019 Kia Forte, with frequent mentions of brake lights and headlights malfunctioning. Multiple complaints describe brake lights that either burn out quickly or fail to function despite bulb replacements, with some cases noting melting of the third brake light. Headlight issues are also noted, including dim or improperly aimed lights, which are linked to two crashes, one involving an injury. The problems typically emerge around 16,000 to 65,000 miles. These lighting failures can lead to reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents, which are critical considerations for potential buyers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report that the 2019 KIA Forte's forward collision avoidance system frequently disables itself while driving, with issues occurring at various speeds and times of day. Common symptoms include the forward collision warning light activating and, in some cases, the brakes engaging independently, causing abrupt stops. These incidents are often accompanied by additional warning lights, such as the check engine light, and can result in a temporary inability to accelerate. Some owners mention that the problem persists despite multiple visits to dealerships, where staff struggle to replicate the issue. Safety implications are noted, as unexpected braking and system malfunctions may lead to potential rear-end collisions or loss of vehicle control.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2019 KIA Forte report issues with vehicle speed control, with symptoms including unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions. One complaint describes an incident where the accelerator pedal pinned itself to the floor, causing loss of control, though the driver was able to regain control without collision. Another owner mentions the cruise control failing to maintain set speeds, with the vehicle accelerating beyond the desired limit. Additionally, a report notes delayed acceleration and stalling, linked to engine issues due to oil depletion. These issues occur across varying timelines, with one owner experiencing problems within a year of ownership. Safety implications are evident, particularly in cases of unintended acceleration and loss of control.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Kia Forte report issues related to the service brakes, with some describing premature activation of the forward collision alert system, triggering sudden braking despite adequate distance from other vehicles. Affected vehicles sometimes display a warning to check the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist System. Another significant issue involves the vehicle pulling to one side during braking, which in one reported case led to a crash with a guard rail. These problems are noted at various mileage points, including as early as 8,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, particularly with the reported crash and unexpected vehicle behavior during braking.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 KIA Forte frequently report issues with air bags not deploying during crashes. Complaints describe incidents where the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, yet the air bags failed to activate. In one case, a driver experienced severe facial injuries and spinal damage due to the air bags not deploying. Another incident involved a rear-end collision at highway speeds that resulted in a broken vertebrae, with the driver questioning why neither the air bags nor the seat belt functioned as expected. These reports highlight concerns about the air bag system's reliability in protecting occupants during collisions.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
